Whilst eight of Werder Bremen’s first team players were in action all across Europe on international duty in a round of friendly games on Wednesday evening, the rest of the team continued to intensively prepare for the first home game of the Bundesliga season against FC Schalke 04.
Midfielder Peter Niemeyer was also absent from team training on Wednesday: “He has a bit of a knee problem,” explained trainer Thomas Schaaf. “We will have to wait and see how things develop.” Aaron Hunt is also currently going through a period of rehabilitation. The 22 year old suffered a muscle sinew tear to his calf during the season opener against Arminia Bielefeld.
Per Mertesacker, who recently underwent meniscus surgery, is now also improving on a daily basis: “Per has made good progress and will be back in Bremen at the end of the week,” said Schaaf. Until then he will continue to work at the rehabilitation clinic of Klaus Eder, the physiotherapist from the German national team, in Donaustauf, Bavaria. “He will then continue his recovery programme here.” Almost exactly four weeks ago, on 22.07.2008, Werder’s 23 year old central defender incurred a knee injury during his first training session with the Green-Whites since returning from his post European Championship holiday.